This unit is about 5 years old and the pilot light went out, I can light the pilot however it won't stay lit. While following the lighting instructions I can light the pilot and holding it in for about 1/2 minute the pilot will stay lit but when I beging to release the stem the pilot goes out? What is up with that?? Thanks duane

this unit is about 5 years old and the pilot light went out, I can light the pilot however it won't stay lit. While following the lighting instructions I can light the pilot and holding it in for about 1/2 minute the pilot will stay lit but when i beging to release the stem the pilot goes out? What is up with that?????????????? Thanks duane
Try changing the thermocouple. It's cheap, relatively easy to change usually, and the most common problem with pilots not relighting. Do not use the cheap aluminum thermocouples, but the copper built one (Honeywell, White-Rodgers). Try to get the same length or close to it-you can go longer and just coil up the extra, but obviously shorter will not work. This should clear up your problem.

I agree with above, you can also try just cleaning the thermopile/thermocouple with steel wool or some fine grit sandpaper. If you have a multimeter there are ways to check if it's bad.